Mumbai’s Cricket Improvement Committee head Sunil Gavaskar calls it quits

Former Indian Test cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar has resigned as head of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) on April 1, 2011. The decision ends his involvement with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

“Yes, I have resigned... a month ago. Look at the schedule ahead for India. It's so tight. They (Indian team) will be touring from June to September and that's the time I am doing media work. I think the CIC needs somebody who is going to be available,” Gavaskar stated.

The batting legend quit on account of his media responsibilities that were preventing him from being fully involved in the matters of the Cricket Improvement Committee. News sources informed that Gavaskar’s resignation was rejected.

Responding to a notice issued by his parent cricket committee that requested the association members to attend an upcoming meeting, Gavaskar emphasized that he had resigned. The association members will meet on May 6, 2011 to appoint the coaches, selectors, physiotherapists and trainers for all age brackets, including women, for the 2011-2012 tournaments.

Sunil Gavaskar had succeeded Madhav Apte as the head of Cricket International Committee (CIC) back in 2009.  The 61-year-old great is a cricket commentator and columnist for several publications.

The batting maestro said that he had accepted the position on MCA Chief Sharad Pawar’s request but his busy schedule does not allow him to continue any further.

“When I accepted it (the position) two years ago, I told Mr Pawar when he called, that I am travelling so much, but he requested me to do it. Giving respect to his request, I accepted it...” Gavaskar deliberated.

The former cricketer offered his mental capabilities and cricketing experience to India Cricket but refused to be a part of any committee, as being associated to a forum demands full commitment. The idea of being on a committee only for the tag contradicts with Gavaskar’s work philosophy.

“I don't want to be on a committee for namesake because that is not my style,” Gavaskar maintained.

The Cricket International Committee includes high profile former Indian cricketers like Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Sanjay Majrekar, Diana Edulji, and Milind Rege.

Former Mumbai skipper Ravi Shastri glorified Gavaskar, claiming that one hour of his participation in a Cricket Improvement Committee meeting is more productive than hundred hours of discussion involving any other Mumbai personnel.

An official of the MCA was quoted as saying that the president will be discussing the resignation with Gavaskar and will request him to stay on-board. A final decision regarding Gavaskar’s withdrawal will be issued during the next week.